Drugs can help curb domestic violence, claim researchers

TORONTO — A new study has found that the drugs that help in changing the thought process of the brain known as psychedelic drugs may help in reducing domestic violence committed by men with substance abuse problems.

The study took place on the benefits of psychedelic drugs in the 1950 to the 1970s, primarily to treat mental illness; it was stopped due to the reclassification of the drugs to a controlled substance in the mid-1970s, according the researchers.

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in psychedelic medicine.

“While not a clinical trial, this study, in stark contrast to prevailing attitudes that views these drugs as harmful, speaks to the public health potential of psychedelic medicine,” said one of the researchers Zach Walsh, associate professor at University of British Columbia in Canada in the findings that appeared in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

The researchers found that 42 per cent of US adult male inmates who did not take psychedelic drugs were arrested within six years for domestic battery after their release, compared to a rate of 27 per cent for those who had taken drugs such as LSD, psilocybin (commonly known as magic mushrooms) and MDMA (ecstasy).

The observational study followed 302 inmates for an average of six years after they were released. All those observed had histories of substance use disorders.

“Intimate partner violence is a major public health problem and existing treatments to reduce reoffending are insufficient,” Walsh said.

“With proper dosage, set, and setting we might see even more profound effects. This definitely warrants further research,” he noted.

Earlier, Peter Hendricks from the University of Alabama, had said: “Although we’re attempting to better understand how or why these substances may be beneficial, one explanation is that they can transform people’s lives by providing profoundly meaningful spiritual experiences that highlight what matters most.”

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First Roland Macaulay Cup to start on November 21

BIRATNAGAR— The First Roland Macaulay Cup is being held in the capital on November 21-24.

To be organized by the Cricket Association of the Blind, Nepal, cricket clubs–Myagdi, Jhapa, Bardiya and Tribhuvan Army–will participate in the First Roland Macaulay Cup twenty20 cricket tournament, said Pawan Ghimire, the Central President of the Association at a press conference here.

The estimated budget is approximately Rs 750,000. The opening match will be held between Jhapa and Bardiya, said the organizer.